Two employees of western Badghis’ Public Health Department were abducted by the Taliban in Qadis district of the province on Wednesday evening, local officials confirmed Thursday.

The incident took place while employees were on their way to a clinic in the Qadis district. Their vehicle was reportedly stopped by the Taliban, the head of Badghis’s Public Health Department, Abdul Latif, said.

According to him, the whereabouts of the two staff members is unknown.

“The employees wanted to visit a clinic which is in Qadis district,” he said.

Security force officials have confirmed this incident and said they are conducting search operations in the area.

The Taliban has not commented on the kidnapping.